The streets of Reflynne were bustling with adventurers, merchants, and scholars as Yoshiya and Omina made their way toward the exam grounds. The air was crisp with early morning energy, carrying the distant sound of bells and the faint hum of magical wards set around the city. Both of them walked in silence, each lost in thought. Yoshiya's mind kept returning to the wand in his bag and the Barrier spell he had just mastered, while Omina's expression reflected both excitement and nerves.
Upon reaching the guild's designated hall, they were met by a group of senior clerics and white mages. The room was lined with polished floors, engraved pillars, and shelves filled with mystical texts and scrolls. Other candidates, all Aides hoping to ascend to the rank of White Mage, were already gathering, murmuring nervously among themselves.
"Yoshiya Hazeru. Please follow me," called one of the senior examiners, a tall figure draped in white robes with faint silver embroidery. Their tone was calm but commanding.
They were led to a smaller chamber where instructions were given. "The White Mage exam is not merely about healing," the examiner explained. "It is a test of mana control, judgment, and the ability to support and protect your allies under pressure. There are three trials: Healing, Blessing and Protection, and Combat Simulation. Fail any, and the exam is void."
Yoshiya glanced at Omina, who simply nodded. "We've handled worse," she whispered, her voice steady.
First Trial – Healing
The first test was simple in concept but demanding in execution. Several adventurers were presented with illusory injuries, wounds conjured to mimic real trauma.
"Your task: heal each subject swiftly and accurately. Use mana wisely," the examiner instructed.
Yoshiya moved from one injured figure to the next, hands steady as he cast Heal, watching the faint glow of magic mend each wound. The exercise was designed to drain mana if used inefficiently, but he measured every spell, conserving energy while ensuring the injuries vanished completely.
When finished, a small nod from the examiner confirmed his performance. "Precision and balance. Well done," the voice said, and a weight seemed to lift from Yoshiya's shoulders.
Second Trial – Blessings
Next came the test of protective and supportive magic. Test dummies and mock adventurers were placed in the middle of the room, subjected to various magical attacks.
"Apply blessings and defensive spells where necessary. Demonstrate judgment in timing and positioning," the examiner instructed.
Yoshiya first cast Blessing, bolstering the magical resistance of his charges. Then, with a flick of the wrist, he summoned Barrier, directing a focused wall of protective energy toward a simulated strike. A faint shimmer enveloped the target, stopping the attack completely.
Several examiners leaned forward, eyebrows raised. "Uncommon application of Barrier," one muttered, scribbling notes. Yoshiya only smiled faintly. He had practiced this under duress recently, and it had proven its worth.
Third Trial – Combat Simulation
Finally, Yoshiya joined a temporary party formed by other candidates. The room shifted into a battlefield conjured by illusion magic: monsters appeared, agile and aggressive, designed to test teamwork under pressure.
At first, the group struggled, their inexperience evident. Yoshiya assessed the situation calmly. He moved quickly between allies, casting Heal where injuries appeared, Blessing to strengthen defenses, and Barrier to block concentrated attacks.
A simulated fireball barreled toward the front line. Without hesitation, he deployed Protect, enveloping the group, and placed Barrier in the path of a flank attack. The combination worked perfectly, and the party avoided disaster.
When the last creature dissolved into harmless light, the examiner's voice rang out: "Candidate Hazeru, you have demonstrated skill, judgment, and composure. Your trial is complete."
Yoshiya exhaled, relief and pride flooding him. The examiners approached, handing him a small insignia engraved with silver runes. "From this day forth, you are a White Mage," one senior mage announced. "Use your skills wisely, and continue to protect those in need."
A spark of excitement lit Yoshiya's chest. He had proven himself—not just surviving, but capable of protecting others in the heat of battle.
After the ceremony, one of the examiners leaned closer. "As a White Mage, you now have access to advanced healing and support skillbooks in the Reflynne library. Study them well. The knowledge contained will expand your capabilities far beyond today."
The two adventurers later checked into a small inn in Reflynne. The room was modest but warm, the quiet hum of the city outside blending with the soft crackle of the hearth. Yoshiya held the new insignia in his hand, staring at its silver etchings as if seeing the weight of responsibility embedded within.
Omina, exhausted but still bright-eyed, leaned back against the pillows. Yoshiya finally looked at her, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Omina… what class do you want?" he asked, voice gentle but curious. "Blade Master? Archer? Or Rouge?"
Her eyes widened slightly as she hesitated, the decision looming like a gateway to the next stage of their journey.
The night settled around them, quiet and expectant, leaving the question hanging in the air—an unspoken promise of trials and growth to come.